MTEX CONCRETE IMPRINT

METHOD STATEMENT

1.

Subgrade Preparation

2.

Excavation of the driveway shall be 4 (100mm) if a suitable sub-base is exposed 2 (50mm)

Hardcore shall be Type 1 Road Stone which is aggregate 40mm to dust, compacted at a depth
of 4 (100mm)

Testing The Mix (Optional)

It is important to test the mix of the concrete at each site. This will help ensure the mix reaches
the required specification.
The slump test measures the place ability of the concrete mix, but is not a measure of the quality.
Variations in the slump usually happened because of changes in the aggregate proportioning, the
water content or because of an error in the addition of an admixture. A faulty slump may well
affect the performance of the slab. Adding more water (i.e. a higher slump) will result in less
strength unless the cement ratio is also increased.
To test the mix the slump cone is placed on a flat surface and the bottom secured as it is filled.
Filling takes place in three stages with adequate striking taking place to compact the sample. Any
excess is struck off and the top of the cone smoothened. The cone is then raised off the sample
steadily and placed alongside. The slump is difference between the cone and the concretes level.

3.

Prevention of Cracks in Concrete

Cracks will always be the most common source of complaint, often resulting in the need to repair
or to dig up the slab. It is therefore sound economic sense to reduce the chances of cracks in
concrete, by prior planning and placing of the construction/expansion joints.
Construction joints are sited where the placement of the concrete is interrupted - for example, at
the end of each day - and should take the form of an isolation joint with jointing materials
separating the pours.
Cracks can often be the results of poor construction practices, inadequate subgrade compaction,
poor forming, poor mixing, placing and curing. A well compacted subgrade is vital in order to
provide proper load bearing uniformity. Correct curing of the concrete slab is very important.
Rapid curing (during High Temperatures) will accelerate drying and could cause further
shrinkage cracking. Spraying the surface with a water base curing membrane as early as possible
will slow down dehydration.

4.

Reinforcement
Steel Reinforcement does not add significance to the load bearing capacity of the slab. If the joint
spacing are those recommended for plain concrete, steel reinforcement need not be used. If it is
desired to have greater space between joints, reinforcing mesh serves to reduce shrinkage
movement and will prevent cracks from opening even if they do occur. If the reinforcement is to
serve its purpose of reinforcing the slab, it must be placed at the upper part of the slab at least 2
below the surface.

5.

MTEX Concrete Imprint Specification

To supply and lay 50-100mm thick ready mix concrete grade 25 with one (1) layer of BRC
A6 wire reinforcement.
To supply and lay MTEX colour hardener using a dry shake method at 3kg/m2, work the
material into the surface, integrate the colour with the concrete.
To apply MTEX release agent on the surface after concrete has been thoroughly toweled.
Tap in mats of selected pattern.
Pressure wash excess release agent.
To supply and apply one (1) layer of MTEX Sealer.

The finished surface is usually pressure washed to remove the antique release powder to expose
pattern and its colour and any minor flaws or abnormalities such as hairline splits and chips, so
that minor touch-up can be carried out prior to sealing.
6.

Notes

Vehicles may only drive through the completed pavement minimum 3 days after
concreting, and minimum 2 days after sealing works.
Any electricity cable to be installed shall be placed below the hardcore level in protective
tubing.
MTEX Concrete Imprint is not an exact science. It is designed to reflect real stone. This
means the colour and texture will gently change throughout the slab over time.
Commencement date and completion period : While all cares are taken, we make every
effort to keep to the schedules given but cannot guarantee them due to poor weather or
other unforeseen circumstances.
The sealer applied on the surface protects against oil and algae. The sealer has a life span of
approximately 1 year. For the period of 2-4 weeks water may bobble on the surface. This is
the same effect that happens to a newly polished car and is normal.